Faces of the Unfamiliar aims to educate and challenge the perception that Iowa is simply a "flyover state." Through  portraits of everyday Iowans, the project highlights that every individual, regardless of their status or recognition, has a story worth telling. It aims to shed light on the unique experiences and lives of Iowans, emphasizing that significance lies not only with well-known or authoritative figures but with the ordinary people who shape the fabric of this state every day. Ultimately, Faces of the Unfamiliar celebrates the quiet, often overlooked lives that sustain communities and offer a deeper understanding of what it means to live in Iowa, celebrating not just a place but the people who define it. The project aims to connect with people who may see themselves in these portraits and spark a larger conversation about the value of every person’s story.